By Saidu Abubakar
The world football governing body, FIFA has approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until May 31, 2027, at the latest, in a major development in efforts to resolve the leadership crisis in Nigerian football.
The approval was granted today, Thursday October 22, 2026. Breaking details from Vanguard, ScoreNigeria, FIFA letter: Bureau of the FIFA Council approved Normalisation Committee to run NFF pending fresh elections.
Letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, addressed to Acting NFF Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, conveyed the approval.
Key terms conveyed in the approval include:
*Members will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible — names not yet announced.
*Tenure: until it finishes tasks, but not later than 31 May 2027
*None of the members will be eligible to contest in the upcoming NFF elections under any circumstances
*Meanwhile, NFF Secretariat continues day-to-day running.
After former NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Gen Sec Mohammed Sanusi and 7 board members resigned in August 2026 after Super Eagles failed to qualify for 2026 World Cup and Super Falcons missed 2027 WWC. FIFA/CAF delegation visited Abuja in September, cancelled the Sept 29 elective congress.
This is same as FIFA does when federation collapses — Normalisation Committee will review NFF Statutes, set up Electoral Committee, and conduct new election.
The decision follows the FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 15, 2026, with the Bureau of the FIFA Council subsequently approving the committee’s appointment.
However, the identities of the individuals selected to serve on the committee have yet to be officially announced, leaving Nigerian football stakeholders awaiting further details from the world football governing body.
A joint FIFA-CAF delegation had visited Nigeria in September to engage key stakeholders and examine possible solutions to the crisis, including the establishment of a Normalisation Committee.
The announcement of the appointed members is now the next major development expected, as stakeholders seek clarity on who will lead the committee and how its mandate will be carried out.
Attention is also expected to focus on the committee’s responsibilities regarding the administration of Nigerian football, governance reforms and the process towards restoring elected leadership at the NFF.
The approval comes amid calls for reforms to the federation’s governance structures and electoral processes. During earlier consultations, stakeholders discussed ways to address longstanding administrative concerns and improve confidence in the running of Nigerian football.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko had previously said FIFA would determine the composition and terms of reference of any Normalisation Committee, stressing that the process must comply with the relevant football statutes and procedures.
With FIFA’s approval, the forthcoming official announcement of the committee’s membership is expected to provide greater clarity on the transition and the immediate future of football administration in Nigeria.
